Resource Forester (Forestry, Logging & Mill Operations)

  Plum Creek

  Fordyce, Arkansas, United States

Opportunity Overview

Plum Creek is one of the largest, private landowners in the United States, with over 6 million acres from coast to coast. We are a publicly traded company (NYSE: PCL), listed on the S&P 500 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington. We currently have an excellent opportunity for a Resource Forester to join our team in our Fordyce, Arkansas office.

About the Fordyce, Arkansas area

Fordyce is located 70 miles south of Little Rock in the "Timberlands Region" of Arkansas. The area's economy is supported by timber harvesting and manufacturing as well as retail trade. Fordyce is the hometown of the legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant and is surrounded by some of the best bass fishing in the state. Fordyce is less than 80 miles away from other well-known spots in "The Natural State", including the resort town of Hot Springs and the scenic Ouachita Mountains.

Position Details

The Resource Forester is responsible for coordinating the harvesting and marketing of wood near Fordyce. This position will be a part of a results-focused team consisting of seven forestry professionals managing 236,000 acres. The team's responsibilities include the sale and harvest of 1.2 million tons of timber products each year, as well as investments in silviculture, growth promotion, and road and bridge maintenance.   

In the role of Resource Forester at Plum Creek, you will have the opportunity to:

• Assist in the marketing, harvesting, and hauling of timber on the assigned land base
• Assist in the administration of timber harvesting, timber hauling and road maintenance contracts
• Ensure compliance with environmental and SFI principles
• Interact with the public, regulatory agencies and other industry professionals
• Participate in planning, preparation and contract administration for tree planting, site preparation and other silvicultural activities such as fertilization, pre-commercial thinning, release treatments, etc.
• Work with the different support groups throughout the company to better manage our forests

This position will require you to typically spend 75% of your time in the field doing a variety of tasks such as harvest planning, contract administration, and supply chain management, working in all types of weather conditions and terrain. Approximately 25% of your time will be spent in the office documenting forest practices and applications. There is frequent, daily travel within the unit, and a company vehicle is assigned with incidental, personal commuting allowed. There will be occasional overnight travel. 

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Forestry or a closely related field required

Experience:

• Two or more years of relevant forestry experience, including internships preferred
• Demonstrated experience in timber harvesting, managing logging contracts and log sale agreements or timber / land sales preferred

Knowledge & Skills

• Communication and interpersonal skills to work well in a team environment with co-workers, contractors, and other internal and external parties
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic; able to operate under limited supervision
• Working knowledge of SFI, timber harvesting, timber cruising, and timber merchandising
• Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize
• Computer proficiency with various Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint 
• Working knowledge of GIS/GPS systems

Compensation

Targeted starting base salary: $41,400 to $54,900.
Targeted annual bonus: 14%. Comprehensive employee benefits package, which includes healthcare coverage, life and disability protection, paid vacation time, educational reimbursement and more. Excellent retirement package that includes both a 401k (with up to 6% match) and a company-funded Pension Plan. Market-leading relocation package (if applicable).

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